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Billie J. Farrell, First Female Commander of the USS Constitution

Billie J. Farrell, First Female Commander of the USS Constitution

by Alexandria Severo | Mar 23, 2023 | Show Segments

Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 visitors annually.   And recently its...
Queer Identities & Art at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

Queer Identities & Art at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

by Alexandria Severo | Mar 23, 2023 | Art & Entertainment, Show Segments

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prompted by new research about Harriet...
Visit Go Figure, a Women-led Drawing Studio in Holyoke

Visit Go Figure, a Women-led Drawing Studio in Holyoke

by Alexandria Severo | Mar 16, 2023 | Art & Entertainment, Show Segments

For many artists, figure drawing can be the most challenging endeavor to undertake. Keeping this skill sharp requires regular practice, and there’s a local studio that provides an inclusive space for artists to do just that.  Connecting Point’s Brian Sullivan visited...
The WWI & WWII Women’s Ordnance Workers of the Springfield Armory

The WWI & WWII Women’s Ordnance Workers of the Springfield Armory

by Alexandria Severo | Mar 9, 2023 | Public Affairs, Show Segments, Social Issues

In every conflict from the Revolutionary War through the War in Vietnam, the historic Springfield Armory played a critical role in arming U.S. troops with muskets, rifles, and other munitions. The Armory was known for its exemplary manufacturing methods – and during...
This History of the “Snug of the Pub” (Digital Exclusive)

This History of the “Snug of the Pub” (Digital Exclusive)

by Alexandria Severo | Mar 9, 2023 | Digital Exclusive

At the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, you might notice a small room near the bar. In this week’s digital exclusive, ICC President Sean Cahillane shows off the “snug,” a private room where ladies could enjoy a drink at a time when it was not proper for a...
Somebody Photographed This: Found Photos Depict By-Gone Era in Western Mass

Somebody Photographed This: Found Photos Depict By-Gone Era in Western Mass

by Alexandria Severo | Mar 9, 2023 | Art & Entertainment, Show Segments

When photographer and photo preservationist Terri Cappucci was gifted a trove of antique photo negatives that were in danger of being thrown away, she combed through 4,000 glass plates and developed the photographs that she found interesting. The resulting black and...
Hot Oven Cookies is Sheila Coon’s Lifelong Dream Come True

Hot Oven Cookies is Sheila Coon’s Lifelong Dream Come True

by Alexandria Severo | Mar 2, 2023 | Art & Entertainment, Show Segments

To say the past few years for Sheila Coon have been a whirlwind is the ultimate understatement. When the owner of Hot Oven Cookies found herself in a homeless shelter in 2014, the idea of giving up her dream was the last thing on her mind. She used that time to write...
Cooking Up Connection, Community at Comfort Bagel

Cooking Up Connection, Community at Comfort Bagel

by Alexandria Severo | Feb 16, 2023 | Show Segments, Simple Pleasures

Amid the pandemic, Janet Blake was inspired to open Comfort Bagel to foster connection and community during a time when many were apart. The contact-free bagel delivery service grew in popularity and soon outgrow Blake’s home kitchen. Less than a year after it...
The Diva of Berkshire County: Jazz Singer Wanda Houston

The Diva of Berkshire County: Jazz Singer Wanda Houston

by NEPM | Feb 9, 2023 | Art & Entertainment, Show Segments

Jazz singer Wanda Houston sustained a bi-coastal career for years. Houston has performed on stage with the likes of Barbara Streisand, Patti Austin, Joe Cocker, and even a few shows on Broadway.   In 2006, she settled in the Berkshires full-time, and has become such a...
Hired Hand Signs: On the Road from Turners Falls

Hired Hand Signs: On the Road from Turners Falls

by NEPM | Feb 2, 2023 | Art & Entertainment, Show Segments

So many of the artists living and working in Turners Falls have deep ties to Western Massachusetts. Although she was born in Michigan, Jess Marsh Wissemann found not only her passion for creating hand painted signs here but says she couldn’t imagine living anywhere...
Take the Mic Helps Girls Master Public Speaking Skills

Take the Mic Helps Girls Master Public Speaking Skills

by NEPM | Jan 26, 2023 | Art & Entertainment, Education, Show Segments, Social Issues

After helping her young daughter build on her public speaking skills, Ayanna Crawford realized that learning this skill set would benefit other young girls as well.   Soon after, Crawford founded Take the Mic, a program that helps children build their confidence and...
Visit the Easthampton Studio of Fine Jewelry Maker Heather Beck

Visit the Easthampton Studio of Fine Jewelry Maker Heather Beck

by NEPM | Jan 26, 2023 | Art & Entertainment, Show Segments

Heather Beck got the bug for working with her hands from her father. After falling in love with the alchemical magic that is metal smithing, Beck launched her own fine jewelry business, Heather Beck Designs.   Along with creating custom pieces of jewelry for her...
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    Divided
    Divided: Scenes from Inauguration 2021

     
    JANUARY 19, 2021
     

    A Photo and Interview Series by Barry Goldstein
    In America, the inauguration of a Commander In Chief is traditionally a time of celebration. Politicians, special guests, and everyday Americans converge on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol building to mark the swearing in of the next President of the United States. Full of pomp and circumstance, inaugurations are an important democratic ritual and a symbol of the peaceful transfer of power.
     

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    ‘Something Extraordinary’ at Westfield State University (Pt. 2)
    PlayPlay
    ‘Something Extraordinary’ at Westfield State University (Pt. 2)

    March 23, 2023

    “Something Extraordinary: A Visual Review of Story as Timeless” at the Arno Maris Gallery at Westfield State University showcases the work of 8 Black artists and is on display through March 31st.  Through drawings, paintings, and mixed media installations, the exhibition delves into the process of visual storytelling and examines Black history through a creative lens.Last week, we introduced you to three of the artists behind the exhibit. And thi

    “Something Extraordinary: A Visual Review of Story as Timeless” at the Arno Maris Gallery at Westfield State University showcases the work of 8 Black artists and is on display through March 31st.  Through drawings, paintings, and

    “Something Extraordinary: A Visual Review of Story as Timeless” at the Arno Maris Gallery at Westfield State University showcases the work of 8 Black artists and is on display through March 31st.  Through drawings, paintings, and mixed media installations, the exhibition delves into the process of visual storytelling and examines Black history through a creative lens.Last week, we introduced you to three of the artists behind the exhibit. And thi

    “Something Extraordinary: A Visual Review of Story as Timeless” at the Arno Maris Gallery at Westfield State University showcases the work of 8 Black artists and is on display through March 31st.  Through drawings, paintings, and mixed media installations, the exhibition delves into the process of visual storytelling and examines Black history through a creative lens.

    Last week, we introduced you to three of the artists behind the exhibit. And this week, Zydalis Bauer continues her discussion with artists JaJa Swinton, Tara Gorman, and Kahli Hernandez exploring how the project fosters unity and the inspirations behind the installations.

    “Something Extraordinary: A Visual Review of Story as Timeless” at the Arno Maris Gallery at Westfield State University showcases the work of 8 Black artists and is on display through March 31st.  Through drawings, paintings, and mixed media installations, the exhibition delves into the process of visual storytelling and examines Black history through a creative lens.Last week, we introduced you to three of the artists behind the exhibit. And thi

    CONTINUE READING

    CONTINUE READING

    CONTINUE READING

    From Schoolteacher to Brew Maker (Digital Exclusive)
    PlayPlay
    From Schoolteacher to Brew Maker (Digital Exclusive)

    March 23, 2023

    Four Phantoms Brewery owner Drew Phillips shares how his degree in English has shaped his unusual career path from schoolteacher to brew maker.Learn more about Four Phantoms Brewery in our full feature on the Franklin County brewpub.

    Four Phantoms Brewery owner Drew Phillips shares how his degree in English has shaped his unusual career path from schoolteacher to brew maker.Learn more about Four Phantoms Brewery in our full feature on the Franklin County brewp

    Four Phantoms Brewery owner Drew Phillips shares how his degree in English has shaped his unusual career path from schoolteacher to brew maker.Learn more about Four Phantoms Brewery in our full feature on the Franklin County brewpub.

    Four Phantoms Brewery owner Drew Phillips shares how his degree in English has shaped his unusual career path from schoolteacher to brew maker.

    Learn more about Four Phantoms Brewery in our full feature on the Franklin County brewpub.

    Four Phantoms Brewery owner Drew Phillips shares how his degree in English has shaped his unusual career path from schoolteacher to brew maker.Learn more about Four Phantoms Brewery in our full feature on the Franklin County brewpub.

    CONTINUE READING

    CONTINUE READING

    CONTINUE READING

    Billie J. Farrell, First Female Commander of the USS Constitution
    PlayPlay
    Billie J. Farrell, First Female Commander of the USS Constitution

    March 23, 2023

    Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 visitors annually.  And recently its long history added a new chapter as Billie J. Farrell became the 77th commanding officer of the USS Constitution –  and the first woman to hold that position in the ship’s 225-year his

    Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 v

    Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 visitors annually.  And recently its long history added a new chapter as Billie J. Farrell became the 77th commanding officer of the USS Constitution –  and the first woman to hold that position in the ship’s 225-year his

    Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 visitors annually.  

    And recently its long history added a new chapter as Billie J. Farrell became the 77th commanding officer of the USS Constitution –  and the first woman to hold that position in the ship’s 225-year history. 

    Connecting Point took a road trip to the Charlestown Naval Yard to meet with Commander Farrell and take a tour of the historic ship.

    Built in 1797 and known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship currently afloat. While in service, it played key roles in many battles but today, it’s a floating museum that sees over 600,000 visitors annually.  And recently its long history added a new chapter as Billie J. Farrell became the 77th commanding officer of the USS Constitution –  and the first woman to hold that position in the ship’s 225-year his

    CONTINUE READING

    CONTINUE READING

    CONTINUE READING

    Queer Identities & Art at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
    PlayPlay
    Queer Identities & Art at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

    March 23, 2023

    The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prompted by new research about Harriet Beecher Stowe’s great niece, Katherine Seymour Day, and how her identity may have shaped her role as a women’s activist.  Zydalis Bauer spoke with Amy Hufnagel, the Director of Programm

    The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prom

    The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prompted by new research about Harriet Beecher Stowe’s great niece, Katherine Seymour Day, and how her identity may have shaped her role as a women’s activist.  Zydalis Bauer spoke with Amy Hufnagel, the Director of Programm

    The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prompted by new research about Harriet Beecher Stowe’s great niece, Katherine Seymour Day, and how her identity may have shaped her role as a women’s activist.  

    Zydalis Bauer spoke with Amy Hufnagel, the Director of Programming at the Stowe Center, to learn more about how museums are handling the complex ethics surrounding untold Queer histories and interpreting the sexuality of women in the early 20th century.

    The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford recently hosted a lecture focused on how historians should approach possible LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes in the works of artists who did not self-identify. The discussion was prompted by new research about Harriet Beecher Stowe’s great niece, Katherine Seymour Day, and how her identity may have shaped her role as a women’s activist.  Zydalis Bauer spoke with Amy Hufnagel, the Director of Programm

    CONTINUE READING

    CONTINUE READING

    CONTINUE READING

    Four Phantoms Brewing Company
    PlayPlay
    Four Phantoms Brewing Company

    March 23, 2023

    Drew Phillips' career as a beer maker began over a decade ago on the west coast as an out of work schoolteacher. As his passion for brewing grew, Phillips moved to western Massachusetts and brought his own beer to the market in 2019.Two years later, on Halloween night 2021, Phillips and his wife opened the doors to the aptly named Four Phantoms Brewing Company in Greenfield. Connecting Point's Brian Sullivan paid a visit to this unique community

    Drew Phillips' career as a beer maker began over a decade ago on the west coast as an out of work schoolteacher. As his passion for brewing grew, Phillips moved to western Massachusetts and brought his own beer to the market in 20

    Drew Phillips' career as a beer maker began over a decade ago on the west coast as an out of work schoolteacher. As his passion for brewing grew, Phillips moved to western Massachusetts and brought his own beer to the market in 2019.Two years later, on Halloween night 2021, Phillips and his wife opened the doors to the aptly named Four Phantoms Brewing Company in Greenfield. Connecting Point's Brian Sullivan paid a visit to this unique community

    Drew Phillips' career as a beer maker began over a decade ago on the west coast as an out of work schoolteacher. As his passion for brewing grew, Phillips moved to western Massachusetts and brought his own beer to the market in 2019.

    Two years later, on Halloween night 2021, Phillips and his wife opened the doors to the aptly named Four Phantoms Brewing Company in Greenfield. Connecting Point's Brian Sullivan paid a visit to this unique community hotspot and brings us this next story.

    Learn how Drew Phillips’ English major shaped his career path in a digital exclusive clip.

    Drew Phillips' career as a beer maker began over a decade ago on the west coast as an out of work schoolteacher. As his passion for brewing grew, Phillips moved to western Massachusetts and brought his own beer to the market in 2019.Two years later, on Halloween night 2021, Phillips and his wife opened the doors to the aptly named Four Phantoms Brewing Company in Greenfield. Connecting Point's Brian Sullivan paid a visit to this unique community

    CONTINUE READING

    CONTINUE READING

    CONTINUE READING

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